How does the rule of law of the ancient Greeks resemble that of modern America?
Ancient Greece may have been the birthplace of democracy, but how did their version contrast with that of modern...

How does the rule of law of the ancient Greeks resemble that of modern America?
Ancient Greece may have been the birthplace of democracy, but how did their version contrast with that of modern America?

Ancient Greek democracy was both more exclusive and more participatory than modern American democracy. As in the modern United States, the citizens of Classical Athens enjoyed equality under the law. As in the early United States, Athenian slaves and women were not considered citizens and had no political rights or representation. There was typically little recognition of individual human rights in the ancient Greek city-states; on the contrary, civic patriotism demanded that citizens sacrifice their...

Ancient Greek democracy was both more exclusive and more participatory than modern American democracy. As in the modern United States, the citizens of Classical Athens enjoyed equality under the law. As in the early United States, Athenian slaves and women were not considered citizens and had no political rights or representation. There was typically little recognition of individual human rights in the ancient Greek city-states; on the contrary, civic patriotism demanded that citizens sacrifice their lives and pay voluntary monetary contributions to maintain and safeguard their homeland. During the heyday of Classical Greece in 5th century B.C.E., a citizen militia constituted the backbone of Greek armies.

Radical Greek democracies, such as Athens under Pericles, stressed political engagement of poor citizens and provided these citizens with various opportunities to influence government policies. Poor Athenians participated actively in the courts and the popular assembly. The Athenians elected most officials by lot. This largely eliminated corruption and prevented moneyed interests from controlling electoral policies.